NOT many female Jamaican artistes have released classic albums. Unlike their male counterparts (that is, Marley, Tosh, Wailer and Buju Banton) who have made statements with outstanding full-length productions, female acts have occasionally delivered the goods.

Here are a few gems

Steppin' (Marcia Griffiths): The I-Three member recorded this set in 1979 for producer Sonia Pottinger's High Note label. Backed by the Channel One house band, The Revolutionaries, Griffiths is at her peak on songs like Steppin' Outa Babylon, Peaceful Woman and her cover of Marley's I'm Hurting Inside.

Black Woman (Judy Mowatt): Griffiths' colleague in the I-Three wrote most of the 10 songs on this 1980 album which she also produced. It featured a strong cast of musicians, including Wailers keyboardist Tyrone Downie, Third World guitarist Stephen 'Cat' Coore and Freddie McGregor on drums. Top tracks include Slave Queen, Zion Chant, Many Are Called and the title song.

Ashes on The Window Sill (Della Manley): Closer to the folk of Joni Mitchell and Edie Brickell than reggae, little known Della Manley became a sensation with this 1998 album, produced by guitarist Ray Hitchins. The title track, City Lights, Bittersweet and I Wish You Would stand out.